Hi guys :D
I'm very happy because this is the chapter in which the beginning ends and we embark to Republic City, finally, I can keep my promise :')
Enjoy the chapter :3
- You'll do great things, Korra -.
It was what a man with arrow tattoos told her that she had never seen, but that she recognized from somewhere, that phrase also seemed familiar to her, maybe she heard it from someone else.
Although being honest with herself, she can't confirm it, everything is very confusing right now.
The man's aged face showed a serenity that reminded her of someone, his clothes and his cane also did the same, he smiled at her before a light shined brightly and momentarily blinded her.
Then, she opened her eyes and the real world was bleak in the brightness of her strange dream.
She is disoriented, lying on a stretcher and can barely move, they have taken off the top part of her military uniform, she feels bandages all over her chest and a tremendous pain going through her shoulder, her mouth is dry, her eyes become quite heavy and her senses become dull as she becomes aware of her surroundings.
Old, frail and unstable, it's the first thing she thinks of the house that serves as a hospital, to the sides she perceives the moans of the wounded on other stretchers, even further away, she hears the laments of those who have lost relatives, accompanied by the movement of healers coming and going from one place to another, she is extremely still in the coming and going of the frenetic rhythm of the healing room.
Why is it there?
She wonders idly at nothing, pushing aside the pain, she touched the wound on her shoulder, she hisses at the touch, it's long and deep, it will take time to heal completely and will leave one more unpleasant scar on the list, she sees her battered hand with open knuckles and damaged nails, and she puts it on her chest, touching another faded war mark and remembering how she ended up here.
Korra fought with all her might from the beginning of the invasion, she lost sight of Sakari at some point in the fight and then it became chaotic, everything rotted when those fire things fell on them again, she saw several die in a gruesome way, allies and enemies were killed by the same fire, reinforcements arrived and the fight resumed, they were winning, they took the northerners out of the city, all that remained was to sink the battleships and...
They knocked her down.
One idiot crushed her, another stabbed her and the others were going to kill her, but the light appeared and an unimaginable power emerged from her, she was able to open the earth and lift the sea, from then on everything is blurry.
Nobody normal could have ever done that.
- Good morning, Avatar Korra - The healer greeted her happily, she felt a slight discomfort due to the title, after what she did, it will no longer be a secret - I hope you have rested well.
- Yes - Her voice sounded dry, the cough caught her off guard and the girl made her drink water, she laid her down and put a blanket over her - How is the tribe?
What worries her the most, the North caused impressive destruction during the battle.
- Stay still, please, let me heal your shoulder and then I'll explain - The beta took out the bloody bandages from her shoulder, poured a small amount of water from a container and the characteristic blue glow numbed the burning of that wound, after a while, she told her forcefully - I'm not going to lie to you, the enemy destroyed a large part of the tribe and took the lives of a third of us.
Damn sons of bitches.
- And more people would have died if you didn't intervene, many of us are grateful that you saved us - Despite the unfortunate report, the girl wanted to congratulate her - The tribe will always be indebted to you, Avatar Korra.
After telling her those words, she stopped healing her and felt much better, although her shoulder will still be a problem, but a more pleasant one than what awaits her outside the walls of the healing house - Can I go home?
Seeing her entire family would help her endure the aftermath of the invasion, she hopes not to have to bury more friends.
- No, I have only healed her most serious wound, I need to heal the others - She explained, changing the water she had used for a cleaner one. Korra looked at the ceiling, resigned to staying in that place - Don't worry, it will be quick.
The healer fulfilled what she promised, she wanted to talk about anything, but no topic crossed her mind, leaving her silent with her thoughts that torment her and the moans of the sick. The beta bandaged that area so that it wouldn't become infected and said goodbye.
- Korra - Sakari's voice called her from the door, her little sister was better than her and she was happy about that - Are you okay?
- Something like that - She answered, sitting on the uncomfortable stretcher.
- Father wants your presence on the Council - Sakari informed her seriously, approaching her, she had a certain anger in her eyes cold as ice - Why didn't you tell me that you are the Avatar?
Damn, Sakari, this isn't the time.
- I didn't know - Korra excused herself quickly without looking at her - I just found out that I am.
- Don't lie to me! – She complained, visibly angry, that's when she knew that she screwed up.
- It's okay, don't yell at me, I discovered it a few days ago - She answered truthfully and she calmed down a little.
- How? – Her little sister insisted and Korra grimaced as she remembered that day.
- Yang helped me figure it out - Sakari raised an eyebrow at the participation of a certain airbender, she isn't at all impressed that she suspects that, so she completed her answer - I realized it was the Avatar when I buried her feet with earthbending.
- Oh - She was surprised, suddenly, her face changed expression - You weren't ready, were you?
- No – Practically, she confirmed her statements, apparently Yang had told her something about what they talked about – I needed to accept my new duty, now I've to fulfill it.
- You know I would have understood, right? - She hugged her gently and reciprocated, it's been a while since they last hugged - Just... it's hard for me to know that my older sister is the Avatar that I despised so much for abandoning us.
- I didn't abandon anyone - She clarified, hurt by those words - I would never do it.
- I know and I regret everything I said - She sincerely apologized and remembered that little girl who cried when she told her that she wasn't going to forgive her for breaking her things, Sakari still has that look of sadness - I will support you in everything and I will always be with you, Korra, don't doubt it.
- I have never doubted you, baby sis - She saw her smile, something very rare to see in recent years, she wonders when she stopped doing so.
A noise interrupts them and they were separated by the person at the door, the airbender stood static before two pairs of blue eyes.
- Ehh... I'm really sorry for bothering you, but your dad really wants Korra on the Council - The air nomad was embarrassed, but she didn't leave immediately, she was waiting for her to get up from the stretcher.
- Here, put it on - She handed her a shirt and put it on carefully, her torso was still somewhat delicate - We'll talk another time.
- See you after the meeting - She agreed and Sakari nodded sitting on the stretcher, she left the healing room accompanied by Yang behind her.
As the ice palace was destroyed, they moved the Council room to a tent near the shelter, upon arrival, a tense atmosphere was felt among the members. There were a total of 15 of the 30 councillors, all of them with dead expressions and without much desire to engage in a pleasant dialogue about what they will do next.
The invasion affected the tribe more than she thought.
Not only did it wipe out a third of the population and destroy the city that took decades to build, but it also devastated half of the tribe's administrative capacity.
Cool, another headache.
- Welcome to this emergency meeting - Her father greeted everyone present cordially - I know we went through a tough battle, we lost a lot and many in the process, but in the end we won and discovered who our protector is.
- My daughter is the Avatar - Whispers filled the room and the little she heard were incoherencies about her person, valuable minutes were wasted by useless and exaggerated speculations - We have to decide what we will do from now on.
- Chief Tonraq - The only elder of the Council stood up - I think it's necessary to know how powerful our Avatar is, so she will help us defend ourselves while we rebuild the city. Could you answer my question, Avatar Korra?
That question was on a slight border between respect and mockery, she had forgotten how annoying it's to have this man in the meeting.
- I'm a talented waterbender and I have proven my worth in all my time in the offensive army - She stated proudly and didn't wait for the old man to refute her comment - In the middle of the battle, I awakened the Avatar power and defeated the enemy, but I recognize that I'm far from being a complete Avatar.
- That won't help us at all - There it is, it didn't take more than 5 minutes to despise her - We are still at war, Avatar Korra, being a talented waterbender won't end the North, by not mastering the other elements, you become a burden to the tribe, instead of a support.
Fucking old bastard.
- Councilor Serrok, I recommend that you speak with due respect to the heroine of our tribe - Her father came to her defense, his dominant aura made that man feel ashamed - If it weren't for her, many of those present here would have died, we know that this war is far from over and we are weaker than ever, but Korra is our only hope and we must help her become a complete Avatar.
The Council remained in perpetual silence as her father calmed down a bit, the tension rising to levels similar to the atmosphere before the invasion.
Suddenly, Yang stood up from her seat and looked at her father - Forgive me if I interrupted you, Chief Tonraq, I can guarantee that Korra will become a powerful Avatar if I help her.
- How would you do that? – He questioned her and the entire room did the same, Korra had a sneaking suspicion of what the airbender is planning.
-She needs to master earth, fire and air to reach her full potential as an Avatar, I know several powerful teachers who would be happy to train her, I'm also offer to be her airbending teacher to achieve that goal in the shortest time possible – She offered happily with a smile from ear to ear, no one was as happy with the proposal as she was.
- That is generous of you, Master Yang, however - She already knew that it wasn't going to be easy for Yang to convince her father and the entire Council with her training proposal - How are you going to get these powerful masters to come and train Korra in the tribe?
- I wasn't talking about bringing them here -.
You shouldn't have said that, girl.
- How dare you want to take our Avatar, dirty air nomad?! – Councilor Serrok exclaimed with fury, showing his hypocrisy and others rose up after him.
- Korra needs proper training and she won't find it here - She clarified seriously, but very few really listened to her.
- She wants to ruin them, that's why she steals the Avatar from us! – Claimed Patriarch Nutt, owner of the arms industry.
- Get the mongrel out of here! – A councilor she didn't know asked, many supported him, outraged by the request, and the rest stayed silent.
- Silence - With authority, her father silenced the incessant chatter of the council - We aren't reaching any agreement with this meaningless discussion, even though I disagree with Master Yang's proposal, I have to admit that Korra must dominate the elements in its natural environment to become a complete Avatar, she must be ready when the North delivers the killing blow again.
- How will we protect ourselves if the Avatar is going to train? – Matriarch Nakki, owner of the submarine industry, asked calmly.
- The Royal family of the Fire Nation is an important ally of the Air Nation, I can ask Fire Lord Izumi to install an army to block the passage to the South and give them soldiers, weapons and ammunition - She proposed that idea that she told her that day, then she saw that some people got upset because of it.
- And that they conquer us like in the 100 Years War?! – Councilman Serrok roared like a wild animal – You're inept, air nomad! Don't you know that you should never trust a firebender?!
- Well, of course she doesn't know, Serrok - Patriarch Nutt stated with a smile full of arrogance - She doesn't have any people to defend, that's why she trusts their assassins.
That was a low blow.
- What other option do we have? – She ran out of patience with this man and his unpleasant companion – Our defenses are destroyed, our city is collapsing and our people are dying, we should be planning the reconstruction of the tribe instead of arguing over trivialities.
- I agree with my daughter - Korra was happy for her father's support and the useless councilors returned to their seats - We can't longer continue fighting this war alone, we need allies to survive and I'm willing to accept Teacher Yang's proposal in order to prepare for the final attack from the North.
The Council didn't attempt to counterargue his statement.
- Make an alliance with me - Yang proposed, the councilors remained silent and the Chief gave her the signal to continue speaking - My father and I are members of the Council of the United Republic and my uncle is a General of the United Nations, once I reveal to them about the existence of the Avatar and the danger to her home, they will intervene with the army to protect their tribe until they're fully supplied.
- What you propose doesn't seem correct to me, young airbender - Patriarch Serrok said with obvious anger - The United Nations army won't help us at all, they have northerners in their ranks, they will convince them to attack us in our moment of weakness.
- Do you have a better idea, councilor? – The air nomad stated with her hard gray eyes, preparing ideas to achieve what she wants – What I'm doing benefits you more than it does me, so decide if you accept or not, besides, I haven't impediment to leaving them like this, defenseless, after all they aren't my people, right?
The comment provoked the anger of many of those present.
- You're a vile insolent! Ungrateful to the tribe that welcomed you and fed you! Don't even think we'll give you the Avatar! Get out of the South if that's what you want so much, low-class alpha! – Serrok bellowed furiously and some councilors turned the meeting back into a heated discussion, unable to accept a reasonable proposal because their pride was hit.
Korra laughed at the old man and his friends, since they were the ones who started it.
- Chief Tonraq, everyone already knows my purpose and my allies, now tell me, what do you think about the alliance I proposed? – Yang asked him out loud, in the middle of an angry Council – In the end, it is you who has the last word.
- You're crazy, air mongrel! Chief Tonraq, don't fall into this opportunist's trap! – Patriarch Nutt insulted her with disdain – The fact that you're a descendant of the previous Avatar doesn't allow you to decide in this room, you shouldn't even speak because of your impurity.
The room continues to be a fight of opinions, divided between allying with the foreigners or continuing in an isolated war, clearly Korra chose the first option, her home has to survive until she is ready to defend it with the power she has been granted.
The power of the Avatar.
- Enough! I've made a decision - Her father's voice echoed through the room and everyone waited for what he would say next - We will make the alliance, between the Southern Water Tribe and the Air Nation.
There weren't more objections in the council, the decision is final.
- We want protection, soldiers, technology and food, and Korra will train with the best masters in Republic City - The Avatar could breathe easier when he established the conditions of the alliance with the airbender, who looked friendlier compared to a few minutes ago – Generally, the North attacks every 4 times a year and since Korra destroyed their most powerful ships, it will take them a year to fully recover, I need her to master all the elements and access the Avatar power in that time frame.
- Understood, sir, I'm sure your daughter will do it - The air nomad accepted with her usual jovial attitude.
Despite the good news, there was something that didn't quite fit in the deal, the Matriarch Nakki stood up from her seat, unfazed by the difference from her companions who opposed the alliance.
- Chief Tonraq, how do we know that Master Yang will keep her word and not betray us? Shouldn't she stick to our tradition regarding alliances?
The questions are totally valid and make her question how an international treaty should be sealed and whether the tribe will do it like in the old days or the current way. Several councilors, including Serrok and Nutt, didn't hesitate to support Nakki's questions.
- If the airbender will make an alliance with us, it must be permanent - Her father showed deep displeasure at that comment and sighed resignedly without finding any other alternative.
The Council wants a compromise, they would make Yang join her tribe and in case, if she doesn't keep what she promised, they will punish her according to the laws of the tribe, capital punishment.
- According to the tradition of the tribe, we will seal this alliance with a significant act of union, yours will come to our aid just as we'll come to yours and if you betray us, we will finish you - He declared those words solemnly, as if he wanted to repent and Korra's spirit was completely destroyed by the declaration, she saw how Yang opened her eyes in fear, she already had some idea about the act of union.
- Through a commitment, between you and my youngest daughter, we'll establish an alliance that will last for a long time, Master Yang -.
Holy shit.
This isn't definitely part of the plan!
She said to herself as she delicately carves the waterbending symbol into the lapis lazuli stone medallion, which she had to extract from so many rocks underground.
After defending the tribe and Korra defeating the North in front of everyone, she was unable to celebrate the victory like the others and was then called to meet with the Chief and what remains of the Council, the training was approved, but they also decided on an important step in her life and she couldn't do anything to change it or she would ruin everything.
She is afraid of making a wrong move and only complies with what was imposed on her, the making of the engagement necklace and the public declaration of the marriage proposal.
She does the job without complaining, although she hasn't option to do it anyway, the only good thing is that her plan is fulfilled, at the cost of her freedom and Sakari's freedom, the poor girl has nothing to do with this and is the one who will suffer the most.
The meeting with the Council didn't start in the best way, it improved notably when Chief Tonraq considered her training proposal for Korra and accepted the alliance between the tribe and her nation, however, the final decision not only harmed her, but also someone else.
They're going to get married, whether they want it or not
She still can't believe it, she knew that to repopulate the Air Nation she must get married and have as many children as possible, but she didn't believe it would be so soon and how her commitment was given, it won't be possible to fulfill that goal.
She pondered as she stared at the shiny carved stone, she polished it and sanded the rough textures, she attached it to the blue cloth necklace she wove yesterday, she felt that it was ready and went to the Chief, he will check it and find it suitable for his daughter.
- The carving is quite good, the stone has the ideal shape and the fabric necklace is soft to the touch - Tonraq analyzed the engagement necklace in detail - It's acceptable, in two hours, I want you to deliver it to my daughter in my presence and the presence of the Council, you must sign the treaty and everything will be ready for Korra to begin her Avatar training.
- I have a question, sir - She took the necklace and said nervously because of her father-in-law's look of displeasure - What is the longest an engagement lasts?
He thought silently and her nerves were a little more upset when he stared at her angrily - About 3 months, I'll be honest with you, little girl, I dislike you and I will have no compassion for you if you leave my daughter at the altar because of your nun traditions.
- I haven't intention of abandoning your daughter, sir - She responded scared to the threat, she reconsidered her words again - It's just that it's somewhat unfair that Sakari marries me without knowing me, give me that time and she will get married here, in her home. What do you think, sir?
- I think it's good for her - He stopped frowning in an instant and his eyes reflected remorse, he is regretting that decision before getting up and lifting her by the collar of her robe - Do something wrong to her and I'll kill you.
Tonraq abruptly threw her to the ground and avoided hitting the ground with a light current of air – Get out of here.
She fled from there without wasting any time, her father-in-law is a terrifying man.
- Why are you running, Yang? – She heard Korra's voice at the end of the hallway, it's strange that she still dresses in the military uniform if things calmed down – It seems like you're escaping from a spirit.
-There are friendlier spirits than your dad - She answered, still scared, she feels fear running through her body -Do you know how Sakari is?
Her friend grimaced as she asked about her sister, spirits, she shouldn't have said that.
- She... isn't fine – Great, it was to be expected if you were going to marry a stranger – I'm sure she hates you, that won't be good for the commitment.
- Don't worry about that, I understand perfectly, I would also feel bad if they forced me to get married -.
- In fact, they're also forcing you as much as my sister - Oh no, it relieved her of too much of herself - Are you sure you are doing this? Both will suffer in this relationship.
- I will do my best to make it work, even if she hates me all her life - Yang resigned herself to her fate and looked at her friend in search of any expression of anger or similar feelings, but she found nothing of the sort and an idea occurred to her - Hey, do divorces take place here?
- Did you hit your head or something, Yang, of course they don't - Her hope died with that answer, however, Korra understood her point - I know you want to get my sister out of this fiasco, but once the Council and my father decided, there is no turning back.
- Dammit - She whispered disappointedly.
- I think you should talk to her and fix things between you - She encouraged her and forced her to walk towards her fiancée - At least, you have to get along if you're going to get married.
- That's a good idea -.
Outside there were a lot of small igloos, the tents were reserved for the nobility and the Chief's family, even she was given one, the others rest in whatever they can build to avoid the freezing cold of the South Pole.
They found Sakari in a ruined house that served as a communal dining room, she was with Mrs. Senna serving food along with several omegas.
- Sakari - Yang called her and she just ignored her - I have to tell you something important.
The omega was very grumpy about the situation and she didn't blame her, her mother whispered something about her to her and she approached her direction.
- Aren't you hungry, Korra? – Mrs. Senna took her friend to a table and gave her a bowl of arctic chicken soup.
- Let's go - The non bender took her by the arm and they went to a secluded place, not so far from the shelter - I've little time. What do you have to tell me?
- It's about our commitment, I need you to listen-
- You listen, Yang! You ruined my life! - She interrupted her, raising her voice extremely furiously, pointing at her while she ranted harshly - I was kicked out of the army because of you! Because of this stupid commitment, I won't longer be able to continue with my dream! They took everything I fought so hard for to be your fucking wife!
The airbender was shocked and sad at the relief - I didn't know... I'm very sorry that this happened to you, the Council shouldn't have expelled you from the army, you're an excellent warrior and you didn't deserve to be taken out of there. Maybe if I talk to them, they could reinstate you.
- It won't work, the laws prohibit married omegas from entering the army - Sakari huffed in frustration and remained angry with her, although she stopped yelling at her - There's no point, they already made me give up my dream for this alliance and I just have to reassign myself to my destiny, I hope you don't ruin me more than you did.
- I never wanted this, and apparently, there isn't way to undo this commitment without causing another war - She confessed to her fiancée and she stopped frowning at her, if she wanted a good relationship with her, she had to be honest from the beginning - I know that you'll never love me, so let's be friends and support each other in this fiasco, it would be terrible to live with an enemy, right?
Her hand remained stranded between the two, waiting for a squeeze from her.
Sakari looked at her with a subdued anger, conflicted by her version of events, hesitated to take it in her hand to seal the small agreement, and in the end she did.
- I hope I don't regret this - She told her dejectedly as if she had made a bad decision.
- Don't worry, you won't regret it -.
The omega returned to her position in the communal dining room and Korra took her to see how the tribe was left after the invasion, it's a truly desolate landscape.
They talked about how to rebuild their friend's home, the 2 hours flew by and the entire Council was gathered once they entered Chief Tonraq's tent, she recited verbatim the traditional marriage proposal of the South, since her nation never cared about that type of ceremony.
The engagement necklace looked beautiful on Sakari's neck, although the omega's face didn't hide her deep sadness, contrasting with the atmosphere of celebration that began after putting the necklace on her.
Marriage proposals are supposed to be happy, right?
- When will we leave? – Her fiancée asked her when she saw her putting away her things.
- Tomorrow - She answered, putting away the rest of her supplies - I already told Korra that we are leaving soon, don't wear warm clothes, it will be hot there.
- Okay, I'm going to pack up - And the omega left her room without saying anything else, that conversation was difficult, but she wasn't going to give up easily, they will be friends sooner or later.
The next morning, Denji is prepared for a long flight to Republic City, Naga was placed on her bison friend with Korra's help, the luggage is tied properly and the airbender waits patiently for the parents to hug their daughters one last time.
- Take care of your sister, Korra - She heard her friend promise her father-in-law that she would do it.
- Be careful in the big city - Yang heard her mother-in-law warn the girls, who nodded gently.
- I'm going to miss you so much! – Kadok cried hugging his older sisters, they gave him a big hug.
- I will write you letters every day - Korra promised her parents, trying to hide her tears - Let me know about everything that happens here.
- I'll try... to come here often - Sakari tried to suppress her tears in vain, she felt a lot of guilt for being the cause of her sadness - I'm going to miss them a lot.
Yang helped them get on her flying bison after the family farewell, the air nomad looked at the horizon while they carefully observed how their tribe was lost in the middle of the frozen sea. They rose until they almost touched the clouds and the sky was closer than ever for Korra and Sakari.
It would be a long trip to Republic City, she hopes they enjoy the journey.
Check the link:
p/C5ugA-Jscx5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
I don't know if you noticed, but I plan to pair these two up, although it may seem very fast, they won't fall for each other in the same way, there will be a long way to go and the slow burn label will make sense.
Things between Yang and Sakari go sour, and Korra is stuck there not knowing what to do (the council compromised her sister and her friend, so she can't complain xd)
Guys, what did you think?
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